Mining apparatus



Ndv. s, 1927. 1,648,879

M. P. HOLMES MINING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 17 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 8, 192 7.

M. P. HOLMES MINING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 w Ali Pa Nov. 8, 1921. 1,648,879

M. P. HOLMES MINING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 1'7,- 1921 4 ghegts sheet 5 E i/ g- 4o 19 Jan 15 12 (29 2/ 47 Z6 2/ Q 5 Z l'TUUeTU n r.-

Nov. 8, 192 7Q 1,648,879

M. P. HOLMES MINING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 1921 She -Sheet Patented Nov. 8, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT oFFics.

IEOBBIS I. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEXR HAhTPSI-IIRE, ASSIGNOR 'IO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATIQN-OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING arranarus,

Application filed October 17, 1921. Serial No. 508,390.

My invention relates tomining apparatus. It has for its object to provide an im proved mining apparatus. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved mining apparatus wherein the lrerf cutting mechanism may be supported in different positions in an improved manner permitting it to operate over an increased range. Further objects of my invention are to provide improved elevation varying means for a kerf cutting mechanism and improved means whereby the latter may be adjusted vertically while still maintaining the desired driving connection between the truck propelling motor and the truck wheels. These and other advantages of my improved construction will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

-- In the accompanying drawings I have IOWIl for purposes of illustration two em in practice.

In these drawings, Fig. 1 is a plan view of a mining mechanism embodying one form of my invention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1. 4 Fig. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view, the parts being shown in one adjusted position in dotted lines.

Fig. l is a sectional view on line 4.i of

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of one of the adjusting jacks.

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of my improved mechanism operating as a continuous sweep cutter.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic View of my im proved mechanism operating to out a parallel ribbed front out. i

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of my improved mechanism operating as a mounted longwall cutter.

Figs. 9 and 10 are diagrammatic plan and side elevations, respectively, of a modified form of mv invention.

Fig. 11 is a detail section on theline 1l11 of Fig. 5.

In this illustrative construction, it will be noted that a truck body 1 is provided mounted on wheels 2 movable over a track way. this truck body carrying an adjustable frame 3 on which is carried the kerf cutting and truck driving mechanism. While the nerf cutting mechanism may assume various forms, as shown herein the same is in the form of a complete mining machine 41 of the flexibly fed type adapted when removed from the truck to operate upon the mine botton, the same having a usual cut-- ter chain carrying cutter bar 5 and a usual feed operating member 6 adapted to cooperate with. a flexible feeding member 7 in a usual manner. As shown, this mining machine is also operatively connected and adapted in a usual manner, when in a pre determined position on the truck, to drive the truck wheels 2 through mechanism including a gear 8 on the machine and a gear 9 on the truck, the latter being connected through usual mechanism with a transverse truck driving shaft 10 herein operatively connected through suitable gearing to a lowercooperating shaft 10 connected to the truck wheels through a sprocket and chain connection 11. vAttention is also directed to the fact that this mining machine is swiveled on the frame 3 on a suitable swivel 12 which is itself longitudinally movable when desired relative to the frame 3 in longitudinal guides 18 on the latter, the machine herein being removably connected by suitable bolts 14, 14; to the swivel and to parallel angle irons 15 angularly movable with the machine over a non-rotatable but longitudinally movable swivel plate 16 having iiXed thereto depending angle iron sup ported guides 17 movable in the guides 13 and cooperating therewith to prevent relative tilting. As shown, the machine is also adapted to be locked to the plate 16 in any desired angular position by suitable pins 18 received in corresponding registering perforations 19 infthe angle irons 15 and the plate 16, and the latter plate is adapted to be locked in any desired position in the longitudinal guides 13 by means of set screws 20 carried in extensions 21 on the guides 17 and engaging the sides of the frame ltn my improved construction it will be observed that a plurality of elevating jack mechanisms is provided between the frame 1 and the frame 3, two of the same herein being disposed at one side of the longitudinal center line of the truck while the other is disposed on the other side of the longitudis nal center line and at a point longitudinally between the first two in such a manner as to produce a three point suspension capable of riedby the frame 1 and pivoted therein on a transverse pivot 29, suitable freedom of movement of the casing about its pivot being provided by cut away portions 30. Herein movement of the member relative to the members 26 and 27 and simultaneous move ment of the member 26 relative to the member 27 is thus obtained. The pitch of the threads is also preferably so varied that the member 22 moves twice as fast as the member 26. Herein, a ratchet mechanism is utilized to actuate the jack mechanism, this ratchet including a usual ratchet 31 on the upper end of the member 26 operable by a ratchet lever 32 movable about the of the ack, a handle 33 pivotally connected to the lever 32 and normally occupying the dependentfull line position shown, also being provided to facilitate movement. As a result of this mechanism, it will be ol served that an operator by manually actuating the ratchet mechanism may cause the frame 8 to be raisedvertically relative to the frame 1, or, through different adijustments of the jacks, to be tilted laterally, as, for instance, illustrated in 4, in order to vary the level and angle of the cutting mechanism or the frame 3 as desired.

' Cooperating with this mechanisn'i is im proved mechanism acting to maintain the frame 3 in a predetermined relation to the frame 1 during the movement of the former frame and improved mechanism for maintaining the truck driving shaft 10 in driving relation with respect to the truck wheels in the adjustedpositions of the frame 8. Referring to Figs. Sand 4, it will be noted that a link connection is provided between the fram'esl and 3, which while it may be rigid laterally is herein as preferably also flexible laterally to permittilting of the frame 3. As shown, a bracing member herein of substantially ll-shape, is pivoted at its wide end at 35 to t/he front axle 36 at points be neath the frame 1, and a corresponding member 37 is similarly pivoted at 38 to a rearwardly disposed transverse stud 3!) rigidly mounted on the frame 3, herein slightly in front of therear axle, the two members being preferably disposed apex to apex, as it were, as illustrated in l and operatively connected to permit tilting. As shown in detail in Fig. 3, the ape): of each i-shaped member is connected to its fellow by a swivel pin or bolt 40 permitting relative lateral movement or tilting, and each of the memhers is provided with a surface ll forming abutting bearing surfaces surrounding the bolt l0. By this construction it will be observed that as the. jack mechanisms are operated, the frame 3 is caused to, move upward in a predetermined relationship with respect to the front axle, and that at the same time, through the pivotal connections between the two V-shapcd members, lateral adjustments of the frame 3 are permitted. Further, at tention is directed to the fact that by making the connection bet weentlie front axle andthe stud 89 of the same length as the distance b-etweenthe rear axle and the truck driving shaft 10 asillustrated, it is possible to maintain the truck driving shaft in operative relation to the truck wheels in any vertically adjust-ed position of the fame 3, connection ll. also enabling this connection to be maintained during a limited tilting movement.

Obviously the mechanism hereinabove do:

the flexible scribed may be embodied in various different forms of trucks. Herein, however, it will be noted that the same is included in a truck in which the front end of the frame 3 terminates adjacent the front end of the truck 1 mm in which the mining machine swivel has a relatively short longitudinal. t between laterally extending fiexrmovemen ble' feeding member connecting members 42 disposed parallel to one another on opposite ends of the truck and preferably having openings 43 in their extremities adapted to receive a suitable feed member abutment 44, the location of the latter and the arrangement of tne flexible feed membervarying in accordance with the type of cut desired and the location of the cutter bar relative to the truck. Attention should also be directed to the fact that suitable supplemental supporting means in the form of extensible jacks 45 are connected to the front end of the frame 8. on intersecting pivots 46 and r; that irrespective of the height of that frame or the position of the mining machine thereon, the front end thereof may be r when necessary. Fsit she ld alsobe observed that a acl: support is at rolled to the front end of the frame Qand'extonded forward therefroi i at a point between the jacks so that the latter when not in use ma? 3e swung into a transverse transport 1 thereon. i

in the operation of my in'iproved con.- strnction, a mining machine when disposed longitudinally with respectto the truck as illustratec in l is transported into a room or entry under its own power. Its adj stment in the entry or. room will of course vary with the location of the'work, butohvionsly any vertical adjustment with? in the limits of the telescopic jacks may be obtained by operation of the same or a l idly supported certain tilting adjustment may be obtained depending upon which jacks are operated. The adjustment of the bar will also vary with the type of cut required. For instance, in cutting as a continuous sweep cutter as illustrated in Fig. 6, the machine is swung on its swivel away from its truck driving mechanism and around to a position substantially at right angles to the trackway, for instance by connecting its-feeding member to one end of the rear member 42 as illustrated, the machine through control of the feed operating member by the usual control mechanism on the machine, thereafter being caused to swing in the are illustrated. In operating to cut a parallel ribbed front cut, the machine may be similarly adjusted to the position illustrated in. fulllines in Fig. 7. and thereafter, by connection of the flexible feeding member to the face as illustrated, be caused to move longitudinally to make a starting out, and thereafter connected in the most convenient manner to the members 42 to make the swinging cut, the withdrawal cut being obtained if desired by a connection of the flexible feeding member to the track at a point in back of the machine. In operating in accordance with the longwall system, the machine maybe swung into the face by connecting its flexible feeding member to a member 42 and when in the position illustrated in Fig. "8 be moved longitudinally with the truck or longitudinally relative to the truck as desired by suitably connecting the flexible feeding member to a point in advance of the machine and locking the sliding swivel against longitudinal movement on the truck, or connecting the flexible feedingmember to one of the members 42 andunlocking the swivel. I As a result of my improved construction it will be observed that'it is possible for the machine to cut over a wide range of vertical adjustment and to be tilted in each position of vertical adjustment if desired, the vertical adjustment being obtained by a compact and simple jack mechanism readily operable by an operator either to raisethe device bodily vertically or to tilt the same through different adjustment of different jacks. It will also be evident that with the machine thus adjusted, the truck may be propelled from place to place in the mine as desired without any necessity for lowering the same prior to each transport operation, a feature of dis tinct advantage where the machine is utilized in cutting in different places at the same height above the bottom. It should also be noted that not only may the mechanism be used as a support for a cutting mechanism cutting on the truck but that the cutting mechanism may be bodily removed from the truck if desired so that, for instance, the mining machine shown herein may operate independently on the mine bottom, this being possible by simply omitting or removing the bolts 14, 14;, the machine then being movable relative to its flexible feeding mem her and over and off of the truck frame 3 on to a bench when the frame 3 is adjusted to the proper elevation relative to the bench and the flexible feeding member is connected to a point in advance of the machine.

In Figs. 9 andlO, it will be noted that I have illustrated a modified form of my construction especially adapted to bench work, the same comprising a mechanism in which the sliding swivel heretofore described is omitted and a machine guiding frame 4-9 having an open front end is swiveled on a vertical axis at 50 and on a transverse axis 51 on the fame 3. Obviously with such a construction, the machine may be moved freely longitudinally relative to the truck and frame 4-9 in any vertical position of the latter without the necessity for disconnecting the mechanism and, through different angular adjustments of the frame 49, may also be delivered on a bench in advance of or at either side of the machine as desired and even on a slightly lower bench or on the bottom if desired, thereby expeditingthe unloading of the machine and at the same time increasing the possible delivery range of the machine. i

While I have in this application specifically described two embodiments which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that these forms of the same are shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a supporting frame thereon adapted to carry a mining machine, and means whereby the latter may be adjusted into differently elevated parallel positions while a point thereon is maintained constantly at a uniform distance from a point on the truck including substantially vertically acting jack means. I

2. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a supporting frame thereon adapted to carry a mining machine, elevating mech-, anism between said frames permitting said supporting frame to assume differently elevated horizontal positions, and operative connections between said frames pivotally connected to each ofthe same to effect a definite spaced relation between a point on said frame and a point on said truck.

3. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a supporting frame adapted to carry a mining machine and bodily adjustable thereon in vertical planes, and operative connections betweensaid frames including only said frames pivotally connected to each of the same and permitting a tilting movement of said supporting frame, one of said connections being coaxial to a wheel 5. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truclr frame, a cutter supporting frame, truck wheel driving connections in part carried by each of and disposed between said frames, each of said parts having a single fixed relation to the frame by which it is carried and adapted during relative movement between said frames to be spaced afixed'distance apart, and means whereby the latter frame may be elevated while said driving connections are maintained operative throughout the complete range of vertical adjustment.

6. In a mining apparatus, a truck having running gear and providing a support for cutting mechanism, cutting mechanism on said support including a motor, means between said support and truck permitting arcuate adjustment of said support and cutting mechanism into positions indifferent horizontal planes, during which adjustment their vertical projection on said truck moves progressively in one direction during elevation and in the other during lowering, and truck driving mechanism extending bet veen said motor and running gear including a driving elementrotatable on an axis which is movable with said support to different horizontal planes by the latter, a driven elen'ient rotatable on an axis stationary as regards adj ustment with said support, and means for transmitting power from the first mentioned element to the second and for maintaining them against separation.

7. In a mining apparatus, a truck having running gear and providing a supportfor cutting mechanism, cutting mechanism on.

said support including a motor, means whereby said support may be adj u'sted relative to said truck into different horizontal planes, andtruck driving mechanism extend ing between said motor and running ge: r including a. driving clement adapted to be driven by said motor and rotatable on an axis which bears a fixed relation to said support, a driven element rotatable on an axis which bears a fixed relation to said truck, and means for transmitting power fromthe first mentioned element to the second and for.

maintaining them against separation as. said cutting mechanism is elevated.

8. In aminmg apparatus, a wheeled truck as frame, a cutter supporting frame disposed eeasvo above the same,'means between said frames permitting bodily relative adjustment from lower to higher positions and vice versa including a plurality of jacks disposed substantially adjacent one side of said truck frame, and a single jacl; disposed substantially adjacent the opposite side of said frame and spaced longitudinally between said other aclrs.

9. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a cutter supporting frame carried above the same, a plurality of threaded jack members pivotal'ly connected to said support ing frame, a plurality of threaded cooperating acl: casings pivotallv connected to said wheeled truck frame, and a plurality of ad justably threaded jack members threaded on said first mentioned members and in'said casings and adjustable to vary the elevation of said supporting frame.

10.111 a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a cutter-supporting frame carried above the same and adapted to be p1voted about a wheelaxis, a plurality of ack members between said frames, and pivotal:-

connections for said jacks whereby said cut ter supporting frame may be tilted relative to said wheeled truck frame.

11. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a machine supporting frame supported on said truck frame, a complete mining machine thereon, truck driv ng mechanism driven thereby and including elev ments carried by each of said frames, all of said elem n s carried by said frames having only a singleposition relative thereto, and

1neans whereby adjusting of said machine supporting frame bodily upwardly and downwardly on said truclr frame may be ef-fl fccted, said truck driving elements occupying like spacec. relation in all the vertically different horizontal positions of said supporting frame.

12.111 a mining apparatuaa truck frame, cutter supporting frame thereon carrying truck driving mechanism and reeling mechanism,- and means whereby bodily upward and downward adjustment of said supporting frame may be effected including means for allowing certain points in each'of said frames to have onlyrelative angular move- :ment, saidadjusting means being operable to maintain said truck driving mechanism in definite spaced relation to a truck wheel in verticallydifferent positions of said machine supporting frame. g

13. In a mining apparatus, a) wheeled truck frame, a cutter supportingframe thereon, cutting mechanism movable longi tudinally thereof, means permittin bodily upward and downward adjustment of'said supporting frame including an arm pivoted about a wheel axis, and truck driving mechanism maintainable' by said adjusting means:

in a definite spaced relation to certain of the truck wheels in the vertically different positions of said frame and operable by said cutting mechanism in a predetermined longi tudinal position thereof.

14. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a cutter supporting frame there on, cutting mechanism movable angularly and longitudinally relative thereto, means permitting bodily upward and downward adjustment of said supporting frame, and truck driving mechanism having elements carried by each frame and having only a single position relative thereto and adapted to be maintained in a uniformly spaced relation to the truck wheels in 'dilferent'vertical positions and operable by said cutting mechanism in a predetermined angular and longitudinal position thereof.

15. In a mining apparatus, av wheeled truck frame, kerf cutting mechanism including a plane cutter bar angularly and longitudinally adjustable relative thereto and to a trackway, means formoving said kerf cutting mechanism bodily in a curved path to vary the elevation thereof and also perm1tting maintenance of said bar wholly horizontal during said movement, and truck driving mechanism adapted to be driven by said kerf cutting mechanism in all the differently elevated positions thereof.

16. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck, kerf cutting mechanism carried thereon and movable longitudinally relative thereto and to the traekway, means for varying the elevation of said kerf cutting mechanism,

and truck driving mechanism including elements having only a single position relative to said truck and kerf cutting mechanism and driven by the latter and adapted to be maintained against separation beyond their original space relation as elevation of said cutting mechanism takes place.

17. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck, kerf cutting mechanism thereon angularly and longitudinally adjustable relative thereto and to the trackway, means for varying the elevation of said kerf cutting mechanism on said truck, and truck driving mechanism including elements associated with. said truck and mechanism and having only a single position relative to their respective associated members driven by said kerf cutting mechanism and maintained against separation beyond their original spaced relation while said cutting mechanism is in all the differently elevated positions thereof.

18. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a supporting frame thereon, kerf cutting mechanism including a cutter bar swiveled on said supporting frame, said frames being vertically relatively movable, flexible feeding means for swinging said bar, and means including a transversely projecting member on said supportingframe forming an abutment for connection of said flexible feeding means.

19. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a supporting frame thereon, kerf cutting mechanism including a cutter bar swiveled on said supporting frame, said frames being vertically relatively movable, flexible feeding means forswinging said bar, and means including a plurality of transversely projecting members on oppositecends of said supporting frame forming abutments for connection of said flexible feeding means.

20. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a supporting frame, means whereby adjusting of one into different parallel positions relative to the other may be effected, and a universal connection operative either under tension or compression forces for definitely uniformly spacing fixed points on said frames irrespective of such adjusting.

21. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a supporting frame adapted to receive a minin machine, a universal connection of fixed predetermined length therebetween operative either under tension or compression forces, and telescopic elevating mechanism for adjusting one frame relative to the other.

22; In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a cutter supporting frame, elevating means for adjusting said supporting frame, and means for respectively universally connecting and connecting on horizontal pivots said elevating means at spaced points thereof to said frames, said connect ing points being spaced along the longitudinal axis of said means.

23. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a mining machine thereon, means to drive said truck wheels from the mining machine, elevating means for said machine, and means to permit said machine to move during elevation in an arcuate path about the axis of said truck wheels while inaitaining the driving means operative.

24. The combination with upper and lower supports, one of which has wheels and the other being adapted to be positively swung around the axis of one of said wheels, of elevating means connecting said supports and comprising a plurality of internally threaded casings connected to one of said supports, screws in said casings, and transverse pivots connecting said screws with the other of said supports.

25. The combination with upper and lower supports, of telescopic screw elevating means having universal connection with one of said supports and pivotal connection with the other of said supports, and means for connecting said upper support with said lower support independent of said elevating means;

26.111 a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, a. machine supporting frame, and elevating means therefor comprising a screw having universal connection with said Sn 3 ortin fran'le. a nut having 'ivotal connection on a horizontal axis with said truclr frame, and means to rotate said nut relative to said screw.

2?. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled trucl r frame, a machine supporting frame, and telescopic ratchet operated jack screws universally connected to one of said frames and transversely pivoted to the other to permit vertical adjustment therebetween.

28. In a mining apparatus, upper and lower supports one of which is adapted to receive a mining machine, of elevating means connecting said supports and comprising a plurality of internally threaded casings pivotally' connected to one of said supports, a plurality of screws within said casings, one of whiclris connected to the other of said supports, and means to actu ate one of said screws to simultaneously move both of them relative to said casing to vertically adjust one of said supports.

29. In a mining apparatus, separable frame members one of which supports a mining machine, and non-extensible link, means for positively connecting said members comprising a plurality of elements pivotally connected together along one axis and one pivotally connected to one of said members and the other to the other on an axis transverse to said other axis.

30. In a mining apparatus, a mining ma chine, a supporting frame therefor, wheels upon which said frame is mounted and relative to which it is movable bodily through a substantial range of positions of different height, means whereby said relative movement may be effected by bodily swinging said frame, without substantial tilting thereof relatively about the axis of a wheel while said wheels are maintained in a fixed spaced relation, and propulsion means for said wheels including a driving element on said frame and operative connections be tween the same and said wheels.

31. In a mining apparatus, a n'iining machine, a supporting frame therefor, wheels upon which said frame is mounted and relative to which said frame is movable into different parallel horizontal positions, means whereby said relative movement may be effected by bodily swinging said support relatively about the axis of a, wheel. while said wheels are maintained in a fixed spaced relation, and means for rotatably supporting said machine on said supporting frame.

32. In a mining apparatus, a mining machine, a supporting frame therefor, wheels upon which said frame is mounted and relative to which said frame is movable into different parallel horizontal positions,

means whereby said relative movement may be effected by bodily swinging said support relatively about the axis of a wheel While said wheels are maintained in fixed spaced relation, and means for rotatably' supporting said machine on said supporting frame for rotation on a vertical 38. In a mining apparatus, a mining ma chine, a supporting frame therefor, wheels upon which said frame is mounted and rehn tive to which said frame is movable into different horizontal pla es, and means whereby said relative movement may be effected by bodily swinging said supoort about the axis of a wheel while said wheels are maintained in a fixed spaced relation, and truck driving connections extending from said framejand including a power transmission connection of uniform length in all of the horizontal positions of said frame.

34. In a mining apparatus, a mining ma-.

chine, a supporting frame therefor, running gear upon which said frame is mounted and relative to which said frame is movable into different horizontal planes, and means whereby said relative movement may be effected by bodily swinging said support about the axis of a wheel while said wheels are maintained in a fixed spaced relation, and truck driving connections extending from said frame to said running gear and operative in all the horizontal positions of said frame.

35. In a mining apparatus, a mining machine, a substantially horizontal supporting frame therefor, wheels upon which said frame mounted and relative to all of which said frame is movable bodily, means whereby said relative movement may be effected by bodily swinging said support relatively about the axis of a wheel while said wheels are maintained in a fixed spaced relation and while said frame remains substantially horizontal, and truck driving mechanism carried by said supporting frame and adapted to be actuated by the mining machine motor.

36. In a mining apparatus, a truck hav ing running gear, a sumaortiug 3 frame mounted on said truck and adapted to carry a mining machine, means to varyv the elevation of said frame relative to said truck operative to effect relative longitudinal movement between said elements on change in horizontal planes of said supporting frame, and truck driving connections adapted to be actuated by a. mining machine supported on said frame and comprising an element rotatingon an axis bearing a. fixed space relation to said supporting frame, an element bearing a. fixed space relation to said truck, and power transmission connections extending between said elements, said elements being equidistantly spaced in all positions of said supporting frame adapted to support a mining machine, means for varying the elevation of said frame including a plurality of laterally spaced extensible connections extending between said frame and truck, and supplemental connections between said frame and truck including non-extensible link means pivotally connected to both of the same on parallel axes and cooperating to determine the path of movement of said frame during elevation.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

MORRIS P. HOLMES.

min 

